At-home Colour
DIY tinting is easier than you might expect. "Ensure the hue falls within two shades of your natural hair colour - this way the depth will suit your complexion and is easy to maintain," advises Bronwyn Fraser, national education manager for L'Oreal Paris Australia. If your hair is long or thick, buy two dye packs for even coverage.

Cut
The right cut is an essential part of every good hair day. A style that works for both your hair texture and face shape is worth 10 styling products. "Ask for a consultation with your stylist before you have your hair cut," suggests Robert Maiolo of Sydney's Maiolo Copeland salon. "And choose a haircut that is versatile so you can change your look daily."

Dandruff
The excessive flaking, itching and redness we associate with dandruff are signs of a chronic scalp condition, explains Melbourne-based dermatologist Dr Rod Sinclair. He recommends treating your scalp with "a product that contains an effective anti-fungal active ingredient" such as pyrithione zinc.

Exercise
Working out can take its toll on your tresses. If you're a gym junkie, switch to a gentle daily shampoo and conditioner to protect your frequently washed hair. If you're a regular swimmer, use a clarifying shampoo to remove any build-up of chemicals, and try applying a rich conditioner to create a barrier for your hair before hitting the pool.

Frizz
Fluffy hair can happen to anyone. "A leave-in conditioner helps to alleviate frizz, as does a solid haircut shape," recommends Clare McGrowdie of Phillip Gallo Hair in Sydney. Try blow-drying with the nozzle pointing down your strands, and don't touch until it's 100 per cent dry. A silicone-based serum also works wonders.

Greys
"We are all genetically programmed to grey at a certain age but, on average, it becomes more noticeable around 35," says Bronwyn Fraser. Unfortunately, little can be done to prevent the process, but a permanent hair colour should cover grey locks completely. Silver strands are also much drier, so switch to more nourishing care products for softer results.

Hairdressers
A great stylist is one of your best beauty assets - someone who understands your locks, and the look you're after, is a must. You need to respect and trust the person taking scissors to your strands. Not happy with the results? Don't be scared to change salons or ask someone whose hair you admire for the name of her chosen expert, and make an appointment.

Irons & Dryers
When purchasing heat stylers, look out for the added extras that will speed up your drying time and help protect your hair. Irons with ceramic plates heat up quickly and won't stick to your hair, while ionic hairdryers use charged particles to lock moisture into your style.

Jagged Ends
Avoid split strands with regular trims and gentle care. When your tresses are wet, don't brush - instead, untangle gently with a wide-toothed comb. You can also sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase to minimise tangles, which lead to breakage.

Keratin
"This is a protein that forms the hair shaft and fibre, giving it the strength and elasticity it needs," says Kérastase Paris's education manager, Andrea Duckett. Colour and environmental aggressors can harm this valuable protein, making your hair lose bounce and body.

Loss
Hair loss can be caused by many factors other than simply ageing. These include pregnancy, stress and even prescribed medication. If you've noticed a problem, speak to your doctor or dermatologist. The right treatment can prevent further loss and, in some cases, reverse it. Pamper a stressed scalp at home by gently massaging with an oil-based treatment.

Manageability
Bad hair day? Embrace your natural locks and work with what you've got. Get a great cut that suits your real texture (not the one you wish you had), then find the right care products. Creamy shampoos will weigh down fine hair, while volumising formulations will leave dry hair parched. If your mane is really damaged, a soothing product will help.


New Colour
Keep your new hue looking fresh by giving it the VIP treatment. Use products for colour-treated tresses - regular shampoos can strip hair of dye. A conditioner with added pigment will boost shine and deposit just enough colour to leave your hair looking radiant, while a leave-in product will protect your look.

Oiliness
Greasy strands are a common hair nightmare. "Oily hair is due to sebaceous glands working overtime and producing an abundance of sebum," explains Andrea Duckett. "This happens for many reasons - hormones, puberty, diet, even genetics." Look for at-home maintenance products that will clarify and cleanse the scalp, while regulating oil production.

Products
Styling aids are a modern-day hair miracle, but remember that less is more. Don't overload your mane as this will weigh it down and cause greasiness. And always read the label - most products are developed for a particular hair type. No matter what your style, hairspray is useful to have on hand, and a light anti-frizz serum will rescue all textures from the ravages of humidity.

Quick Fixes
Disguise dirty hair with a spritz of dry shampoo (blondes can also try a sprinkling of baby powder). Add a little hairspray at the roots to quickly add body (the alcohol in the spray will dry up excess oil). A chic, slick ponytail is the last word in sophisticated style, even if you did skip the shampoo.

Regrowth
Dark roots are the unfortunate side effect of opting for a lighter hair colour. However, you can stretch out salon visits with a little savvy styling. Try tousling your tresses and opt for an uneven part to draw attention away from the darker line.

Shine
Ask for a gloss treatment next time you book in for a cut or colour. At home, a shine spray will enhance dry, damaged hair, but avoid using it if you have oily strands. Rinsing your hair with cool water after washing helps close hair cuticles, leaving your locks looking lush.

Treatments
More than just another conditioner, hair treatments are essential for a manageable mane. "They are integral to maintaining healthy hair," says Redken's artistic director for Australia, Adam Browne of Global Hair in Sydney. "Treatments contain different ingredients from regular conditioners and are far more intense," he explains. Unless otherwise stated, use once a week after your regular conditioner.

Unruly Curls
Don't let waves take over your life. Tame them by combing through a styling product when your hair is wet, then shaping with your fingers. No time to let hair air-dry? A diffuser attachment on your hairdryer will help form even curls. Dry your hair upside down and scrunch when it's almost dry for added body at the roots.

Vitamins & Minerals
Your hair needs a healthy diet to stay luscious and shiny. Keep it looking great by eating lots of fruit and vegetables, and avoiding processed foods where possible. Nuts and wholegrains are also rich in minerals that will treat your tresses.

Washing
We all know it's mandatory, but how often is too often? "Essentially, it depends on your hair type," advises Dieter Mersman, Goldwell guest artist from Sydney's Wildlife Hair. "For people with normal to oily hair, washing your hair every day is OK. However, if you have dry or damaged hair, it's best to wash every few days to ensure your hair doesn't dry out further."

X-Factor
Give your strands an edge with a fabulous new colour that will leave you looking glossy and groomed. Get the best shade for you by heading to your hairdresser with a photograph of a celebrity whose hair you love. That way, you'll end up with exactly what you want, rather than a stylist's interpretation, which may be quite different to what you're expecting.

Yellowness
It's a blonde's worst enemy. "Over-styling, poor-quality shampoo, oxidation or a bad colour job can all cause blonde hair to go brassy," says Adam Browne. The good news? "It can be fixed with a treatment that will neutralise that nasty yellow tone."

Zeitgeist
Hair now is all about glamour. The hottest looks are groomed waves, shiny up-dos and lots of volume. Those unkempt boho strands have been replaced by styles that wouldn't be out of place on the red carpet. It's time to reclaim your hairdryer and hot rollers, and opt for sleek chic.

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